East Sussex Wildlife Charity Faces Record Demand and Funding Challenges

The East Sussex Wildlife Rescue & Ambulance Service (East Sussex WRAS) has experienced its busiest year on record in 2023, with an 18% increase in the number of animal casualties it dealt with, reaching a total of 5,989 incidents. The charity's founder and operations director, Trevor Weeks, said the increase has "strained all our resources to the maximum" and coincided with a decrease in fundraising income due to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

To support the extra staff required during the spring and summer periods, the charity needs to raise an additional £34,000. Weeks attributed the increase in wildlife casualties to the growing development of the countryside, which has led to more wildlife coming into contact with humans, often resulting in them being shot, run over, entangled, poisoned, attacked, or trapped.

Why this matters: The surge in animal casualties and the simultaneous decrease in fundraising income highlight the challenges faced by wildlife charities during times of economic hardship. The situation highlights the importance of public support and awareness in ensuring the continuation of vital wildlife rescue services.

June 2023 saw the charity exceed 1,000 animals in a single month for the first time. The charity is preparing for a further rise in casualties in the upcoming months and is seeking additional funding to maintain its wildlife rescue service and extend its reception coverage for rescue coordination.

Trevor Weeks, who was awarded an MBE in 2012, stated, "The increase in casualties has strained all our resources to the maximum. We need to raise an additional £34,000 to support the extra dedicated staff required for the spring and summer periods."

The East Sussex WRAS is appealing for public support to help fund additional hours for a veterinary surgeon and sustain its critical wildlife rescue services . The charity hopes that increased awareness of the challenges faced by wildlife in the region will lead to greater support from the community.

Key Takeaways

• East Sussex WRAS had 18% increase in animal casualties in 2023, reaching 5,989 incidents.
• Charity needs to raise £34,000 to support extra staff during spring/summer periods.
• Increase attributed to growing development leading to more wildlife-human interactions.
• June 2023 saw charity exceed 1,000 animals in a single month for the first time.
• Charity appeals for public support to fund veterinary staff and sustain rescue services.